Who serves as the primary healer in traditional Chinese medicine?

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the primary healer is typically considered to be the physician, who is trained in the intricacies of diagnosing and treating illnesses based on TCM principles. These physicians are knowledgeable about the body's meridian systems, the balance of yin and yang, and the interactions of the five elements. They employ a range of treatment modalities, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary recommendations, and tai chi, to restore health and balance.

While herbalists play an important role in TCM, often focused on the preparation and application of herbal remedies, it is the physician who integrates various practices into a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to the individual’s health needs. Nurses, although essential in facilitation and care within the healthcare system, are not primarily responsible for the holistic healing practices associated with TCM. Shamans, primarily associated with indigenous and spiritual healing practices in other cultural contexts, do not fit within the framework of TCM as established by historical and philosophical standards. As such, the physician stands out as the central figure in traditional Chinese medicine practices.